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It translates 3D models into instructions your printer understands. Better instructions mean better prints, so a simple software upgrade makes all the difference in the world. In fact, more than 90% of experts agree that 3D printing software has the greatest impact on print quality, even more so than the 3D printer itself! An independent blog about 3D printing, 3D printers and FDM technologies. Sometimes very readable, sometimes very technical. How to Find the Perfect Print Settings for Your 3D Printer: This video shows you my. Speed up your 3D Printing and reduce wear and tear in Cura v3.1. Cura (Cura.exe). Cura is an advanced 3D printing software application. It is the advised software for preparing 3D print files. Cura will help you converting 3D models into 3D print files within a.
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3D printing technology is not only used in large industrial enterprises but is also becoming increasingly popular with smaller companies and individuals.
Especially when it comes to small components with complicated shapes that cannot be produced with conventional machining processes or only at great expense.
Large manufacturing companies can afford entire design departments with software specialists for the CAD/CAM conversion of the 2D or 3D drawing for the 3D printer.
But what does the hobbyist do?
The European company Ultimaker offers the free 3D printing software 'Cura', which is compatible with a wide range of devices and drawing formats.
The software is equipped with many functions and is continuously improved.
In the following text, we will introduce the 'ironing' function of the software and take a closer look at it.
Contents
- 1 The Software Cura
- 1.2 Options of Cura
- 2 Cura Ironing
- 2.2 Parameters
The Software Cura
The ambitious developers of Ultimaker have spared no expense and effort and have brought excellent software to the market, which has millions of users worldwide.
Of course, there is also software from other companies. But because of its user-friendliness, Cura offers the perfect start into the world of 3D models.
The software is already equipped with long-term tested and optimized print presettings for different printing materials.
Before using it, you have to ensure that your 3D printer can handle 'G-code' formats. 'G-Code' stands for geometric code and describes the machine language that instructs the print head, among other things, how it has to move in three dimensions to print the respective model.
Information about the dosing quantity of the printing material, as well as nozzle temperature, is also transmitted via G-Code.
Cura always sends the information about the model to be printed in G-Code format.
Here is a brief overview of the different drawing formats that can be processed by Cura:
- STL
- OBJ
- X3D
- 3MF
- BMP
- GIF
- JPG
- PNG
For the trouble-free conversion of the drawing formats into G-code, Cura has interfaces to subsequent drawing programs:
It is therefore an advantage if you already use one of the above-mentioned software. But it is also no problem if you use another program that can export the drawing into the common formats.
Using Cura
The simple structure of the software interface corresponds to the simple workflow for printing with the software.
- First, import the file using the import function or by simply dragging the file over. Position the bottom of the print model at the bottom of the print area. You can still change the size of the model or the number of models here.
- Then check in the settings that the nozzle diameter and material match the settings in the 3D printer.
- Select the printing setting, i.e. fast printing (high speed) or high accuracy (quality).
- With the 'Slice' function of Cura, you can break the model down into individual layers.
- Check the print simulation of the model in the preview. Here you can still optimize parameters, but you must be careful to disassemble the model after each change.
- Save the file and send it to the 3D printer for printing.
The already saved default settings work without problems for most models. In addition, there are over 400 software settings that you can use to optimize printing.
You will find the best options in the following section.
Options of Cura
In addition to its use as a 3D printing software, Cura offers setting options that allow for even more creative shapes and surfaces to be printed.
Here follows an overview and a short description of the 10 best functions.
Wire Printing
With this function all 3D models in the design of a wireframe can be printed.
The software includes a program that converts the design from a 3D CAD file into a single-layer wireframe.
This allows very complex designs to be displayed from simple CAD drawings.
Spiral Mode
This mode is suitable for printing lamps or vase-shaped models. This mode is also sometimes called Vase Mode. This mode does not use the traditional method of layered printing.
The edges of the print object are printed continuously and spirally in height. Finally, a last layer is printed on the top layer.
Complete Guide:
Cura Vase Mode 'Spiralize Outer Contour' Basics & Settings
Mold Feature
The genius of the Cura software are hidden functions like these.
This is used to print the negative of a 3D model. The resulting mold can be used, for example, as a casting mold for the 3D model. In a very simple way, disposable or reusable molds can be produced, which are suitable for various materials.
Fuzzy Skin
Rough or grippy surfaces, blurred or even hairy surfaces can be created with this function.
This option is also recommended for the subsequent processing of an already printed model. For example, if it becomes necessary to add rough areas to the surface to make the object easier to grip at certain points.
Complete Guide:Cura Fuzzy Skin – How & Why to Use It
Adaptive Layers
This option combines high-quality machining with fast processing. The model is analyzed and divided into constructively critical and non-critical layers.
Depending on the material, the printing is done with a thinner or a thicker material layer. This option is very suitable for objects with round surfaces that need to be finished in a short time.
Concentric Top/Bottom Pattern
Here the first and the last layer are adjusted for concentricity and alternately processed from the first to the last layer or from the last to the first layer of the model.
This is particularly suitable for round symmetrical models and prevents, for example, the effects of small material defects on the printed object.
Tree Supports
If you want to print models with many overhangs, you should use this function. Through the software. Instead of straight supports for the overhanging structures, the program creates a kind of tree structure for support.
The individual branches are hollow and can follow different angles of the model. This method saves both time and material during printing. Another advantage of this function is that the supporting construction touches the actual model only in a few, easily removable points.
Conical Supports
This is a conical support structure for the model with a large overhang.
In contrast to the previous Tree Support function, due to the statics of the construction, there is little material on the base plate and much on the contact points with the model.
This also leads to time and material savings during printing.
Color Blind Assist
This function helps to better recognize different color areas in the program simulation. The background can be set to black or white to make different colors and layers easier to recognize.
Ironing
With this function, surfaces can be cleanly displayed or ironed.
This function is described in more detail in the following section.
Cura Ironing
This 'ironing function' describes the final finishing of the surface of the printed model.
After the last layer is printed, the print head again travels along the path of the last layer or the outlines and outer edges of the model to process them according to your requirements.
The comparison with ironing sounds quite simple. But anyone with experience in ironing shirts knows how demanding it is to get a clean surface.
Ironing Settings in Cura
The Ironing function must be made visible in the toolbar under 'Settings' and 'Configure Visibility'. There you enter 'Ironing' in the search bar and tick the box.
Now the function can be found in the print settings under the form.
Parameters
Similar to the settings on the iron, Cura has various parameters that can be adjusted to achieve the perfect surface.
Only the highest layer
This function is important if only the surface of the last layer is to be processed.
Pattern
This setting defines the movement pattern of the nozzle on the surface.
Line Spacing
Here the distance between the individual lanes can be changed.
Inset
The machining of the outer edges with a distance in X-Y direction is controlled with this function.
Flow
This setting can be used to control the amount of printing material that is additionally applied to the last printing layer.
Speed, Acceleration, and Jerk
These three parameters are used to fine-tune the speed of movement of the printer nozzle.
What Does Ironing Do to the Printed Model?
By simulating other nozzle settings, as well as reducing the print material to zero, the nozzle moves over the last layers and heats them again.
This creates an effect similar to ironing, i.e. the print layers on top of each other and the print webs next to each other overlap slightly or run.
What Does Ironing Do to the Printed Model?
By simulating other nozzle settings, as well as reducing the print material to zero, the nozzle moves over the last layers and heats them again.
This creates an effect similar to ironing, i.e. the print layers on top of each other and the print webs next to each other overlap slightly or run.
The boundaries of the individual print webs are therefore less visible.
Burrs are also eliminated.
Basically, the effect of the individual parameter settings always depends on the printing material and the model shape.
For the perfect interface on your own model, you first have to test various parameter settings yourself.
Cura 3d Printer
For the first settings, there are also many hints in corresponding blogs or user forums on the net.
However, by applying some basic physical properties, you can also derive the rough effect of the individual settings and approach the print tests more specifically.
It is actually only a question of the printer nozzle as a heat source and its distance or exposure time to the material.
Further Tips on Cura Ironing
With a high speed of movement and high acceleration of the print head, the material is only heated for a short time.
The same effect can be achieved by placing the print head far away from the surface, e.g. with the 'inset' setting.
This causes the upper layer boundaries to run slightly on the model.
This is especially recommended for the removal of smaller surface defects or roughness.
For the top layers to run or fuse together, the printing speed and distance of the nozzle to the model must be kept as low as possible.
Cora 3d Printing Software
This also results in a very smooth surface on the model.
Even smooth surfaces can be roughened again with a light material feed from the printer nozzle.
Conclusion
Cura 3d Printer Software Download
The possibilities with the ironing function are very diverse and lead to different results on the 3D model after changing the parameters with the same model shapes and printing materials.
Unfortunately, you have to find out for yourself what the perfect settings for the desired surface are in the end.
We wish you success and Happy Printing or Ironing!
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